ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Writing a Press Release

A press release should be used to alert the media of breaking news from a press briefing, the publication of a new report, or any newsworthy event that you care to share with the media and public. Press releases can be used to summarize stories from journal publications or as background information for other events. The idea is to provide the media with a story and enough information to enable the reporter to write their own story based on your release.

TIPS:

1. To The Point
   Write the conclusion first. This will bring out the point of your release quickly. If you save the actual story-worthy point for the end, the reporter may never read it.
2. Write a Grabber
   Your first sentence or two should catch the reader’s attention. Grab the reader’s attention while simultaneously stating a newsworthy point.
3. The Facts
   Include necessary facts that will give the reporter enough to go on to write their own story.
4. Conclusion
   At the conclusion of the release you can provide information on your organization’s overall mission statement. For example, Advocates’ says “Advocates for Youth is an international, nonprofit organization that creates programs and advocates for policies that help young people make safe, responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.”
5. Continued on Next Page
   If your release is more than one page, indicate at the end of a page that the release continues to another page. This will ensure the reporter has the entire document.
6. Indicate Second Page
   Use a ‘slug’ on the second or additional pages of a release such as “youth/page 2” to help keep the release together.
7. Contact Info
   Write the release on your organization’s letterhead and provide visible contact info that is not buried somewhere in the text. This will make it easy for the reporter to contact you.
8. The Right Reporter
   Send your release to reporters who are likely to cover your story. Consider what beat would be interested in your story, e.g. health, education, youth, or the political correspondent.
9. The Right Outlet
   Consider sending your release to various outlets, including but not limited to radio, television, newspapers, newsletters, magazines, etc.
10. Learn from Example
    Read press releases from Advocates for Youth and other organizations online. Study how other groups design their releases. Press releases are often archived and available on an organization's Web site.

Please go here to see a sample Press Release.

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